Applying VGI to collaborative research in the humanities: the case of ARTL@S

ABSTRACT

Using Artl@s as an example of a project that relies on volunteered geographic information (VGI), this article examines the specific challenges that exist, beyond those frequently discussed in general VGI systems (e.g., participants’ motivation and data quality control) in regard to sharing research data in humanities: (1) most data from the humanities is qualitative and collected from multiple data sources which are often inconsistent and unmappable; (2) data is usually interconnected with multiple relationships among different tables which creates challenges for both mapping and query functionality; (3) data is both geographical and historical. Consequently addresses that no longer exist have to be geolocated and visualized on historical basemaps and spaces must be represented diachronically; (4) the design of web map application needs to balance both sophisticated research requirements and a user-friendly interface; (5) finally contributors expect their data to be cited or acknowledged when used in other studies and users need metadata and citation information in order to reuse and repurpose datasets.

In this article, we discuss how Artl@s, a project which developed a georeferenced historical database of exhibition catalogues, addresses these challenges. Artl@s provides a case study for VGI adoption by digital humanities scholars for research data sharing, as it offers features, such as flexible batch data contribution, interrelated spatial query, automatic geolocalization of historical addresses, and data citation mechanisms.     

Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs), GIS,and Remote Sensing: The West Virginia University Example

Abstract

Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) scientists and educators in general are utilizing global web sources for information of the latest developments in the use of satellite and GIS approaches, as well as to understand more fully environmental and natural resources processes in various geographic settings. West Virginia University (WVU) has embarked on a pioneering approach (as only the second university worldwide) to archive graduate theses and dissertations in electronic format with worldwide web access. This study illustrates the type of remote sensing and GIS research available through WVU's worldwide web ETD archive, and its potential uses by educators at a variety of levels of the education system for understanding remote sensing and GIS methodologies, as well as environmental and natural resource processes. Keywords: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, West Virginia University, Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD).     

Ptolemy and the Early Image of the Old World

Abstract

A cartographic symposium held at Ulm in November 1982 was stimulated by the 500th anniversary of the printing of Ptolemy's 'Geographica' in that city, and was attended by an international gathering of historical cartographers.     

Refugee Camp Mapping Using Very High Spatial Resolution Satellite Sensor Images

Abstract

Short time‐intervals for complex response in unfamiliar areas cause refugee‐relief organisations to have a strong need for timely and up‐to‐date geographic information of the environment during humanitarian operations. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of relief organisations' need for detailed geographic information, and to assess the potential of the upcoming very high spatial resolution (VHSR) satellite sensors to provide this geographic information by mapping refugee camps and their environment on an operational basis. To demonstrate the use of VHSR satellite technology in relief operations, a pilot proof‐of‐concept study using a 1992 Russian KVR‐lOOO 2 m resolution panchromatic image of the six refugee camps in the Qala en Nahal settlement scheme in the Sudan was performed. The VHSR satellite sensor image was found to be useful for mapping refugee camp environmental parameters, such as land use, roads, rivers, and water sources, as well as camp infrastructure, including geographic positioning of camps, housing, and street network. The image also allowed for detailed camp area estimates. In addition, a statistically significant relationship between camp area and population was revealed for refugee camps included in this study. In operational use of VHSR satellite sensor data, relief agencies should be aware of the limitations of optical satellite images, in particular their reduced applicability during cloudy conditions.     

Validity of historical volunteered geographic information: Evaluating citizen data for mapping historical geographic phenomena

Studies on volunteered geographic information (VGI) have focused on examining its validity to reveal geographic phenomena in relatively recent periods. Empirical evaluation of the validity of VGI to reveal geographic phenomena in historical periods (e.g., decades ago) is lacking, although such evaluation is desirable for assessing the possibility of broadening the temporal scope of VGI applications. This article presents an evaluation of the validity of VGI to reveal historical geographic phenomena through a citizen data‐based habitat suitability mapping case study. Citizen data (i.e., sightings) of the black‐and‐white snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) were elicited from local residents through three‐dimensional (3D) geovisualization interviews in Yunnan, China. The validity of the elicited sightings to reveal the historical R. bieti distribution was evaluated through habitat suitability mapping using the citizen data in historical periods. The results of controlled experiments demonstrated that suitability maps predicted using the historical citizen data had a consistent spatial pattern (correlation above 0.60) that reflects the R. bieti distribution (Boyce index around 0.90) in areas free of significant environmental change across historical periods. This in turn suggests that citizen data have validity for mapping historical geographic phenomena. It provides supporting empirical evidence for potentially broadening the temporal scope of VGI applications.     

Monitoring the source of trans-national dust storms in north east Asia

Abstract

The vast expanse of the Gobi desert across the Mongolian plateau experiences frequent dust storms. In this isolated region remote sensing techniques can provide an effective measurement of dust storms. Brightness temperature channels 4, 5 of AVHRR/NOAA satellite data, emissive bands of MODIS/TERRA satellite data and meteorological station measurement data were used and tested for dust and sandstorm mapping in the desert area of Mongolia and northern China. The differences between thermal bands in combination with geographic information system (GIS) layers were used for mapping in this study. The results show that dust and sand storm maps can be achieved from emissive bands for monitoring of dust and sandstorms. Most active dust storm sources can occur in truly remote areas where there is little or no human activity, although many sources are associated with areas where human impacts are well documented. Thus, on a regional scale dust mobilisation appears to be dominated by natural sources.     

OpenStreetMap data quality enrichment through awareness raising and collective action tools—experiences from a European project

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, several research projects show interest in employing volunteered geographic information (VGI) to improve their systems through using up-to-date and detailed data. The European project CAP4Access is one of the successful examples of such international-wide research projects that aims to improve the accessibility of people with restricted mobility using crowdsourced data. In this project, OpenStreetMap (OSM) is used to extend OpenRouteService, a well-known routing platform. However, a basic challenge that this project tackled was the incompleteness of OSM data with regards to certain information that is required for wheelchair accessibility (e.g. sidewalk information, kerb data, etc.). In this article, we present the results of initial assessment of sidewalk data in OSM at the beginning of the project as well as our approach in awareness raising and using tools for tagging accessibility data into OSM database for enriching the sidewalk data completeness. Several experiments have been carried out in different European cities, and discussion on the results of the experiments as well as the lessons learned are provided. The lessons learned provide recommendations that help in organizing better mapping party events in the future. We conclude by reporting on how and to what extent the OSM sidewalk data completeness in these study areas have benefited from the mapping parties by the end of the project.     

Cartography in the Context of Sciences: Theoretical and Technological Considerations

Abstract

In an introductory theoretical way, the authors attempt to place cartography into the general context of sciences. Based on the traditional definition describing cartography as a science, technique and art, its defined scientific role in the development of geographic thinking is analysed. This approach corresponds to the procedural method in epistemology. Cartography is, according to a general model in science, classified considering the fact whether its sources of origin of the concepts, its principles and postulates are genuine or derivatives from other disciplines. After comparative statements between Cartography and Geography, an analysis of all environmental sciences with reference to the use of technologies is carried out.     

Arno Peters changed the World! Development Education and the Peters' Projection

Abstract

This paper describes, from a map librarian's perspective, an investigation into the feasibility of the provision of digital mapping for use by students in a British academic library. Establishing the funding has been a significant part of the project. This has included consideration of hardware as well as the pricing structures for the supply of digital cartographic data.     

Unclassed Animated Choropleth Maps

Abstract

The potential of unclassed animated choropleth maps as a solution to false patterns of geographic change arising from data classification is investigated. Old concerns about unclassed choropleth maps may be mitigated through map interactivity that offers four advantages over traditional data legends, and previous insights from testing static choropleth maps do not necessarily translate to animated cartography. Data from user testing revealed unclassed animated choropleth maps neither help nor hurt the ability of map readers to understand patterns of geographic change. However, the unclassed map (1) appeared 'less jumpy' to participants and was perceived to run at a slower pace (despite running at the same number of frames per second), and (2) subtle geographic shifts (e.g., seasonal unemployment cycles) were more readily noticed on the unclassed maps. Preliminary results also suggest classed data emphasise stability over time – while their unclassed counterparts improve our ability to see changes. This paper also outlines animated simultaneous contrast as a new perceptual issue in the creation of animated choropleth maps.     

The Sheldon Tapestry Maps: their Content and Context

Abstract

This paper describes the tapestry maps woven in England in the last years of the sixteenth century for the Catholic Sheldon family of Beoley (Worcs.) and Weston (Warks.). It examines the nature of the problems encountered in their design and the sources adapted for their execution with particular reference to the maps of Christopher Saxton, traditionally regarded as the 'base map'. It considers also the identity of the designer.     

The preparation of the town maps for Lysons' Magna Britannia

Abstract

Although methods of map preparation and production in the nineteenth century are generally understood, in truth little is known in detail. A rare opportunity to further understanding of the methods of the day is offered by the analysis of the surviving working documents and correspondence related to the production of town maps for Lysons' Magna Britannia. As methods of compilation and preparation become clearer, some of the resultant town maps appear more original and carefully created than previously thought, forcing a reassessment of their value as historical evidence.     

Finding meaningful participation in volunteer geographic information and citizen science: a case comparison in environmental application

ABSTRACT

Volunteer geographic information (VGI) and citizen science (CS) have been used as a way to promote a form of democratization of knowledge. Crowdsourcing facilitates the massive collection of data through nonexpert volunteers. This study compares 57 VGI and CS projects through a cross-case comparison method to explore the level of involvement of participants, based on three main analytic dimensions (project rationale, actor interaction, and data flow) and 12 sub-variables. The primary goal of this research is to analyze the purpose and the role of technology in VGI and CS projects, using three matrices to explore emerging trade-offs. Finally, we synthesized the workflow of VGI and CS project and compared based on project purposes. At the end of this study, five main purposes were found among the selected projects, uncovering that data collection is the most common purpose. A general workflow can be conceptualized, but detail implementation will involve various trade-offs, especially between local involvement and large-area expert-oriented protocol implementations. By exploring diverse relationships among selected variables of analysis in VGI and CS projects, this study pretends to build a foundation for larger, global meta-analysis that can bring some transparency in the epistemic interactions between experts and nonexperts.     

“Mission Geography” and the Use of Satellite Imagery in K‐12 Geographic Education — A NASA ‐ GENIP Partnership

Abstract

Mission Geography is a collaboration between the United States' National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) and the American “Geography Education National Implementation Project” (GENIP), created to provide for and develop curriculum supplementary material for teachers of grades Kindergarten through High School (grade twelve). Mission Geography uses NASA imagery and scientific inquiries to teach about Earth. This paper provides an example of how geographic concepts concerning volcanoes and volcanic hazards can be taught at the American middle school level (grades 5‐8) using NASA resources     

A Technique for Building Representation in Oblique View Maps of Modern Urban Areas

Abstract

This paper presents a technique for creating oblique view maps of urban areas. We identify and apply cartographic and cognitive principles to develop a solution in the context of state-of-art geographic information systems. The gap in the ability of these systems to render three-dimensional buildings into maps is addressed. At the core of our solution is a building facade modelling approach that supports varying degrees of abstraction. This is achieved by introducing a concept of 'facade waveforms' and representing building facades as combinations of these waveforms. A Fourier series approximation of the waveforms is used during the rendering processes resulting in an elegant solution to anti-aliasing. The formulation retains the semantic information in the representation that enables meaningful extensions like night time facade generation. The solution is implemented as a pixel shader and therefore leads to a large reduction in texture memory requirement compared with existing building rendering techniques. Additionally, in the case of web based systems, there is significant reduction in bandwidth requirement. We highlight the features of the proposed solution by generating demonstrative maps and images.     

Developing spatially and thematically detailed backdated maps for land cover studies

ABSTRACT

Global or regional land cover change on a decadal time scale can be studied at a high level of detail using the availability of remote sensing data such as that provided by Landsat. However, there are three main technical challenges in this goal. First, the generation of land cover maps without reference data is problematic (backdating). Second, it is important to maintain high accuracies in land cover change map products, requiring a reasonably rich legend within each map. Third, a high level of automation is necessary to aid the management of large volumes of data. This paper describes a robust methodology for processing time series of satellite data over large spatial areas. The methodology includes a retrospective analysis used for the generation of training and test data for historical periods lacking reference information. This methodology was developed in the context of research on global change in the Iberian Peninsula. In this study we selected two scenes covering geographic regions that are representative of the Iberian Peninsula. For each scene, we present the results of two classifications (1985–1989 and 2000–2004 quinquennia), each with a legend of 13 categories. An overall accuracy of over 92% was obtained for all 4 maps.     

Lewis Petit and his Plans of Scottish Fortifications and Towns, 1714–16

Abstract

The background and context to the cartography of the French military engineer Lewis Petit and his work in Scotland is explained. Petit was responsible for drafting the earliest plans and profiles of four castles in the north-west Highlands of Scotland (1714), as well as the earliest town plans of Perth and Inverness (1716). A consideration of their functions, particularly through the Board of Ordnance archives, allows a better understanding of these plans and their value as historical sources, as well as their accurate dating. Petit's work reflected national and international developments, including war in Europe and the Jacobite rebellions in Britain. His cartography illustrates the spread of new European military theories and practices, at a time when a professional corps of military engineers was being established in Great Britain. Through studying Petit and his maps we can gain a fuller understanding not only of the Board of Ordnance in Hanoverian Scotland, but also of the militarisation of cartography in the eighteenth century, and the emergence of standards relating to colour, scale and terminology.     

地名地址数据库多源集成方法研究

地名地址数据库属于基础地理信息数据库,是构成数字城市地理空间框架不可或缺的重要组成部分,随着我国数字城市的逐步推进,城市建设和管理工作对基础地理信息的需求日益增加,地名地址数据库的建设和更新工作显得尤为重要。面对当前城市发展日新月异的现状,如何有效地提升数据完整性、时效性以及权威性成为数据库更新工作中必须解决的问题。本文以德州市地名地址数据库更新项目为例,指出外业调查中存在的数据问题,在对多来源地名地址数据进行广泛收集,分析这些数据的空间特征、时间特征以及利用方式的基础上,提出基于多源数据集成的数据库建设思路,利用地名地址匹配技术及人机交互的方式将官方资料与调查数据进行有机融合,并详细地从数据体系化检核、地名地址拓展、名称标准化3个方面进行阐述。项目成果表明,数据的质量明显提升。